MLC 1-29-2016

This was an Epic MLC!  On the heels of the Worldwide Missionary Broadcast, President Clark taught us how important it is to follow the counsel of the Apostles and Prophets and then in dramatic fashion tore the CFM Culture up and asked us to come to a new Culture.  It was inspirational and we determined our Culture should be "their Culture"!  I.e: What the Apostles and Prophets were teaching us about how to conduct ourselves under the Hastening of the Work!  We were blessed to be joined by President and Sister Cleveland (Fresno Stake President) who have been called to preside over the Michigan Detroit Mission effective July 1, 2016.

Back(L-R) Elders Whitfield, Walker, Eggleston, Daley, Speer, Olsen, Robertson, Allred, Mota, Pace, Hibbert
Middle (L-R): Sister Priestley, Elders Checketts, Frame, Mo'o, Harolds, Horrocks, Vastbinder, Harrison, Sister Barney
Front (L-R) Sisters Corbridge, Cowitz, Campos, Presidents/Sisters Cleveland and Clark, Sisters Schillemat, Lewis, Maxfield

Trainer/Trainee & District Training 1-27-2016

It is always a great day when we bring the District Leaders and our new missionaries with their trainers into the Mission office for training.  The District leaders meet in the chapel while the Trainers and Trainees meet in the gym.  The President, Assistants and I rotate between the two rooms training on different subjects.  It is a fun and energizing day!  I love it!

Back Row:  Elders McGovern, Winterton, Lybbert, Berry, Bean, Roberts, Cho, Nelson, Assistant: Elder Checketts
Middle Row:  Assistant Elder Mo'o, Elders Carlson, Garbero, Beck, Ballard, Tongish, Pace, Jorquera, Beltran, Collins
Front Row:  Elders Sullivan, Carnahan, Bradshaw, Agazzani, Call, Perkins, Munson, Jensen

Back Row:  Elders Howard, Kennick, Sparks, Herman, Stojka, Gollner, Burke, Atkinson
Middle Row:  Sisters Lui, Cantrell, Elders Halliday, Larson, Taylor, Sisters Anderson, Neira
Front Row: Sisters Hunt, Dowdle, Strasburg, Foote, Kakuschke, Wright, Simonsen, Plummer

A whole lot of great pictures!

I have been a little slow in posting baptismal pictures!  Here are a few from the last several months of 2015.

I am so happy for these wonderful new converts!

PRESIDENT'S WEEKLY - How do we better "Teach Repentance"?

How do we better “Teach Repentance”?

Dear Elders and Sisters:

Sister Clark and I are really very excited to be with you in Zone Conference this week.  Come prepared to receive great teachings, understanding and revelations and to leave changed!

I want to share a very short thought with you that may help you place a greater emphasis on "Teaching Repentance".  While the Christian world believes in Christ, and we are dealing mainly with Christians here in this great valley, tradition and time away from church has left them in a position where they don't really have a great respect or understanding of who Christ is and what He has done for them.  When we talk of Him taking our sins upon Him in the Garden of  Gethsemane, I think we too often pass over this much too quickly and dare I say it, in a trite way.  While it is nigh impossible to reach an understanding of what He went through for us, as you repent continually and desire to be changed, you come to know something of His sacrifice for you.  More importantly, as you better come to understand the Atonement, you will be better teachers of it.  As PMG states: "As your understanding of the Atonement deepens, your desire to share the gospel will increase."  This is so true!   You shouldn't be surprised serving as a missionary is so hard.  It is designed to be so it will draw you to and through the Atonement, so you will have a greater understanding of it and consequently a greater desire to share the gospel.  Further, it will increase your ability to use and teach from the Book of Mormon and President Benson has stated that: "The Book of Mormon is the greatest single tool God has given us for the conversion of the world."

So, I issue you this challenge:  Get a new Book of Mormon or use your main scriptures.  Read and study it for its teachings of the Atonement (mentioned 54 times) and see if your ability to teach repentance does not increase.  My challenge to this mission is to do this and to set a date to have accomplished this by our next Zone Conference - at the end of March.  Will you do this?  I hear a resounding "yes" from the great missionaries of the California Fresno Mission.  Thank you!

With much love and appreciation for all you are doing to bless so many,

President Clark